Hydrothermal Homogeneous Reactor Promotes Innovative Path to Green Chemistry.

As global concern for the environment and sustainability continues to grow, scientists seek greener and more efficient ways to carry out chemical reactions. In this context, hydrothermal homogeneous reactors have become a key tool for researching and promoting green chemical reactions.

A hydrothermal homogeneous reactor is a vessel that exists simultaneously in a reaction and is in the same physical state as the reactants. Typically, this means that both the reactants and the catalyst are in a liquid or gaseous phase. This reactor offers some significant advantages over traditional heterogeneous reactors.

　　Hydrothermal homogeneous reactors provide better control of reaction conditions. Since the reactants and catalyst are in the same physical state, they are easier to mix and diffuse into the reaction active site, thereby increasing the reaction rate. In addition, the reactor allows for milder reaction conditions than heterogeneous reactions, reducing energy consumption and waste generation.

　　The reactor facilitates catalyst recovery and reuse. In a hydrothermal homogeneous reaction, the catalyst is in the same phase as the reactants, so it can be separated and recovered more easily. This reusability of the catalyst not only reduces costs, but also reduces the need for rare or expensive metals, thus promoting sustainable development.

　　In addition, homogeneous reactors play an important role in the synthesis of complex organic molecules and multi-step reactions. Taking transition metal catalysis as an example, the reactors provide an ideal environment in which reactions can be carried out with high selectivity and yield. This is particularly important in areas such as drug synthesis, which often require complex reaction sequences and specific stereochemical control.

　　However, hydrothermal homogeneous reactors also face a number of challenges. One of these is finding effective and environmentally friendly solvent systems. Since most homogeneous catalytic reactions rely on reactions in solution, the selection of an appropriate solvent is crucial for reaction efficiency and environmental friendliness. In addition, certain reactions may have problems with side reactions or by-products, requiring further optimisation of reaction conditions and catalyst design.